What to tip in Puerto Vallarta?

When visiting Mexico, tipping is a common practice that is expected and appreciated. It is a way to show gratitude for good service and is an important aspect of the cultural customs.

In restaurants, a 12-15% tip is the norm, but don’t hesitate to leave 20% if you had great service. You can leave the tip in cash (typically preferred) or include it in the bill, though it's always good to check with your server if credit card payments are accepted and if there are any additional fees before you sit to eat. If you are leaving a tip in cash, just be sure to hand it to the waiter vs leaving it on the table and walking away so you ensure the right person gets it.

When using taxis or rideshares, it's customary to round up the fare to the nearest dollar or leave a small tip. With taxis, this will need to be paid in cash directly to the driver. With UBER you have an option to tip in cash or through the app itself.

Tour guides and excursion operators should be tipped 10-15% of the cost of the tour. For spa and salon services, it's customary to tip 15-20% of the cost of the service. If you used a concierge to book an excursion, it is always nice to tip them a little as well.

For accommodation - typically there will be a recommended amount provided by us for your stay. For our Plaza Mar Condos, we recommend $2 per day per guest staying on property. The tip is put in an envelope and placed in a box by the front desk. For villas - this number may vary from $10-$20 per day per guest staying on property, this number is of course noticeably higher as the level of service is much higher and the tips are being split between the chefs, maids, houseman, etc.

Just remember wages in Mexico are significantly lower than what you would expect and those who work in the tourism industry rely heavily on tips to support their families.